A Crucial Role in Men’s Health

Men are becoming increasingly interested in their health and wellness, seeking answers on how to feel their best in all stages of life.  They no longer are content to chalk up symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and sexual issues to “just getting older”.  They are asking more questions and looking for real solutions.  At the center of many of these discussions is testosterone, and for good reason.  Testosterone plays a crucial role in a man’s vitality and wellbeing; low testosterone is a real issue for many and can lead to health consequences. Fortunately, low testosterone is very treatable for the right patient.

What is testosterone, and what does it do?

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

With testosterone affecting so much of the body, it is no wonder the symptoms of low testosterone can be so wide-ranging.  I like to think of the symptoms of low testosterone in six different categories:

1. Fatigue – you simply do not have the energy you used to have
2. Sexual – Low libido and erectile dysfunction
3. Mood – Feeling down, depressed, or having low motivation to do things
4. Cognitive – Feeling brain fog, or problems concentrating
5. Muscle – a noticeable loss of muscle mass or strength
6. Overall wellbeing – You simply do not feel like yourself

There is no set number of symptoms a man needs to have, or no “score” for severity of symptoms to qualify as having low testosterone.  If you have any mix of the above issues, it may be worth looking at your testosterone.

Testing Testosterone Levels

The first step in being evaluated for low testosterone is to have a conversation with your provider and get levels checked.  Low testosterone is diagnosed based on symptoms AND low blood levels, so checking your levels is important.  Your provider may recommend doing follow-up bloodwork to confirm as well as check additional related labs that can play a role in how testosterone works.

Regaining Health & Vitality

The first consideration when addressing “Low-T” should always be lifestyle factors.  Diet and exercise both play a meaningful role along with specifics like adequate protein, healthy fats, and regular resistance training. Maintaining a healthy body weight is the single most impactful factor.  Going further, sleep is crucial because testosterone production peaks during sleep, so poor sleep can significantly lower your levels.  Stress management is also key; Cortisol, the main “stress hormone” our body produces, suppresses the production of testosterone.  Finally, alcohol can blunt testosterone production, so it is important to keep consumption in check.  Working on all of these areas, and being consistent, can add up to big improvements.

For men who are trying to do all the right things, and still aren’t where they want to be, testosterone replacement therapy is a well-established and effective option. It comes in several forms, works well for the right patient, and can make a genuine difference in vitality and overall quality of life. That said, it’s not a decision to take lightly. There are real considerations around risks, dosing, side effects, and ongoing monitoring that make it important to work with a provider who is knowledgeable, trustworthy, and considers your health history and individual situation

Start by Visiting With Your Medical Provider

If you’re curious about your testosterone levels, or you’ve just been feeling off and aren’t sure why, we’d love to help you figure it out. The previously mentioned symptoms can have many possible causes, including low testosterone, and a thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying issue. You and your provider can discuss whether testosterone testing is appropriate and help determine the best path forward. Some Lakeview providers may offer low testosterone treatment, while others may coordinate care with another physician or endocrinologist who specializes in hormone-related conditions.